Media information
For immediate release
Date: 6 August 2008
Fresh Future Campaign Launched In Waikato
Progressive Enterprises' Fresh Future fundraising campaign to support children's health was launched in the Waikato
region with a celebration at Waikato Hospital.
More than 100 people attended the launch from various Progressive Enterprise supermarkets and Dick Smith stores.
The campaign, now into its second year, is raising funds for 10 New Zealand hospitals with dedicated children's wards.
Last year, more than a million dollars was raised by the appeal and Waikato Hospital received more than $210,000.
Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said the hospital really appreciated the funds raised from the event
last year and was looking forward to supporting the campaign again this year.
"We're very, very grateful for the money received last year and I can assure you that the money was well spent.
"It went towards the Child Development Centre, the children's wards, new born intensive care unit, and the Mothercraft
unit.
"Everyone has been delighted with what the money bought," she said.
TV personality and Hamilton city councillor Kay Gregory was the MC for yesterday's launch. Entertainment was provided by
Maeroa Intermediate School's Kapa Haka group and a comedic song performance by a group of nurses.
Over the next eight weeks, various fundraising activities will be happening in the Waikato, ranging from bike rides to
head-shaves, trolley races to raffles: all for sick kids and their families.
Waikato Hospital staff will support and get involved in these activities.
Progressive Enterprises managing director, Peter Smith said his team was keen to support sick kiwi kids who are in
hospitals, their families and those wonderful medical professionals who treat them.
"The whole team is fired up and focused on the goal of doing better this year because we always look ahead - especially
when it's for sick kids. This is community fundraising at its finest," he said.
To make a donation to the appeal customers can text 'kids' to 883 to make an automatic $3 donation; place money in the
boxes situated at store check outs, or online grocery shoppers can add a $1 donation onto their shopping bill when they
shop at www.foodtown.co.nz or www.woolworths.co.nz.
ENDS
Note: a soundbite from Jan Adams is available at www.waikatodhb.govt.nz.